Making an original textile piece using the magic of Sulky Ultra Solvy

Yesterday I showed you how to work with Sulky Paper Solvy and how it really helps when doing English Paper piecing. Instead of removing the paper, the Paper Solvt melts in water, and disappears.

Today I’m sharing an exciting tutorial that allows you to make your own textile project using Sulky Ultra Solvy and fabrics from your stash.

Oooh, can you imagine? You already have a stash of fabric and just love every luscious piece of it. I’m sure you also have lots of fabric scraps. This is your opportunity to use the tiniest scraps to make even more textiles!

Sulky Ultra Solvy stabilizer is four times as firm, thick, heavy and strong as the original Sulky Solvy. It’s an extra heavy water soluble stabilizer and stitching support for hoopless embroidery, monogramming, heavy badges, lacework, applique and so much more. It melts away easily with water and today’s project will demonstrate the magic of this stabilizer.

Make your own textile today with Sulky Ultra Solvy!

materials

• Sulky Ultra Solvy Water Soluble Stabilizer
• multiple fabric scrap strips ¼” in width and random sized multiple color slivers, any length
• thread to match or enhance fabric
• sewing machine with a straight stitch
• a top stitch or jeans needle size 90 to go through all layers
• bowl with warm water (for after stitching is completed)

sewing instructions

• Cut out 2 – 6½” x 6½” squares of  Sulky Ultra Solvy (the practice sample is for a coaster to try this technique but it could be bigger if you prefer.
• Cut out multiple fabric strips approximately ¼” (random cuts any length). Refer to the picture below.

• Make a pocket with your Sulky Ultra Solvy by laying the two pieces evenly together and sewing 3 sides, leave the top side open. Sew with ¼” seam allowances.

• Fill your pocket Sulky Ultra Solvy pocket with fabric scraps and use a skewer or chopstick to gently push the fabric into the corners. Make sure to move the fabric around so that the bulk is evenly distributed.

• Once all fabric is evenly distributed, sew the top seam.
• Sew lines close together ¼” or closer to hold all of the fibers together. This step is essential as the stitches hold the fabric when the stabilizer is melted away with water.
• It’s recommended to press down the fabric as you go to press out air and ensure the fabric is flattened.
• Finish with a line of sewing around the perimeter of the textile square just inside the ¼” seam allowance.

• Place completed textile in a bowl of warm water and let soak for 15 minutes.

• After 15 minutes of soaking, rub the textile with your hands to ensure the stabilizer has melted away and no longer feels sticky. Rinse your textile with cold water and place on a thick towel to air dry.
• It’s like you have a magic wand and the Sulky Ultra Solvy just melts away leaving no residue.

• Once your textile is dry, square it up with a rotary cutter and ruler, add batting and backing to it to make a coaster, envelope style.
• The coaster shown below is then top stitched ¼” from the edge to complete.
• Make sure to make some more so there is a set!

Other uses for hand made textiles with Sulky Ultra Solvy?

• Table runners, candle mats, placemats, scarves, quilt blocks, mug rugs and so much more!

All you need is imagination to realize new projects with this technique.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s review of a few of the Sulky stabilizers and are inspired to try them out. Please inquire at your local sewing or quilting retailer for availability. Have a wonderful weekend.